But Richard Randall (93) led the counter-attack, supported well by Simon Jones (24), before Jaimin Mistry (17 not out) and Carnell (15 not out) held their nerve to seal a four-wicket win with three balls to spare.

Thorpe lie 13 points behind both Bitteswell and Kibworth Third XI. They end their campaign at home to mid-table Medbourne.

* Melton Mowbray are still not sitting entirely comfortably in Division Three after they slipped down to 10th with defeat at Hinckley, who leapfrogged above Melton.

James Taylor took 4 for 28 and Phil James chipped in with 2 for 39 as the hosts were restricted to 177-9 from their 45 overs, Edward Proctor top-scoring with 60.

In reply, several Melton batsmen made starts, notably Paul Stevenson (26) and Taylor (24), but none could go on to make a decisive score as the visitors were bowled out for 111 in 38 overs.

They sit 18 points above second-bottom Houghton and Thurnby, and trail Hinckley by 14 points going onto Saturday’s final match at home to promotion-chasing Illston Abbey.

* Market Overton and Queniborough have already secured top two finishes in Division Five East, but the title remains far from decided.

Just three points separate the title rivals with Marko in the box seat after both sides recorded wins on Saturday.

Both teams end their seasons at home, Market Overton against fifth-placed University of Leicester, while ‘Borough host Enderby Second XI who sit seventh.